WALLACE ASKS NORTH QUEENSLAND FARMERS TO ‘STEP UP TO THE PLATE’ AND PRODUCE MORE FOOD

Water Minister Craig Wallace today called on north Queensland farmers to “step up to the plate” and do more to feed Australia if food production declines in the Murray Darling Basin due to drought.

Mr Wallace said north Queensland primary producers had good supplies of water for irrigated crops.

Local producers could help keep prices low for consumers by using this water to increase food production.

“All of Australia is praying for rain for farmers in the Murray Darling Basin in NSW and Victoria,” Mr Wallace said.

“However, if it does not rain, Prime Minister John Howard has warned that these farmers will not get any water for irrigation, meaning food production will be reduced,” he said.

“Prices for fruit and vegetables are predicted to triple as $6 billion worth of production in the Murray Darling is threatened.”

Mr Wallace said in contrast the Lower Burdekin and Bowen had good supplies of irrigation water.

“Producers are in a good position to make up some of the shortfall from the Murray Darling Basin,” he said.

For example, Bowen irrigators will get increased water entitlements for 2007-2008, after a good wet season and a substantial re-charge to groundwater aquifers in the area.

Many irrigation Sub-Areas will get 100% of their annual nominal entitlement this year while others get 85%.

”This is great news for irrigators in the region,” Mr Wallace said.

He said if Stage 2 of the Burdekin Falls Dam went ahead further substantial amounts of water would be available for agriculture.

The Lower Burdekin, Bowen and the Whitsundays support industries including sugar, horticulture, cotton, beef production and aquaculture.

Mr Wallace also said good water supplies also would assist the tourism and recreation industries.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.